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REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
OF THE CITY OF OSHKOSH
MINUTES
MARCH 19, 2008
PRESENT: Thomas Belter, John Bermingham, Ben Schneider, Don Simons, Archie Stam, Frank Tower
EXCUSED: Steve Hintz
STAFF: Jackson Kinney, Director of Community Development; Darlene Brandt, Recording Secretary
The meeting was called to order by Vice-Chairman Tom Belter at 4:00 pm.
Consent Agenda
Approval of Minutes: January 16, 2008; February 25, 2008 and February 25, 2008 closed session
Treasurer's Report: None
Secretary's Report: None.
Motion by Stam. Seconded by Bermingham.
Carried by voice vote.
Election of Officers
Vice-Chairman Belter opened the floor for nominations for Chairman.
Motion by Bermingham to nominate Tom Belter.
Seconded by Simons.
Motion by Bermingham to cast a unanimous voice ballot for Tom Belter for Chairman.
Seconded by Stam.
Carried by voice vote.
Chairman Belter opened the floor for nominations for Vice-Chairman.
Motion by Stam to nominate John Bermingham.
Seconded by Schneider.
Motion by Simons to cast a unanimous voice ballot for John Bermingham for Vice-Chairman.
Seconded by Stam.
Carried by voice vote.
RDA Minutes 1 March 19, 2008
Progress Report – / Akcess Acquisition Group
"The Waterfront Project"
Mr. Tim Rikkers, Akcess Acquisition Group, stated Akcess continues to move forward on the proposed office
building in conjunction with the hotel/restaurant, however, they will not proceed with the hotel/restaurant until
sufficient space has been leased in the office building. Mr. Rikkers stated they continue to meet with several
interested groups, but nothing has been firmed up as of yet. He hopes to hear from an interested party the
first part of April. Akcess has also considered other options for the office building, for example,
condominium suites. He noted they do not want to loose money in the deal, and want a first class operation.
They believe this is the right concept for this riverfront area, but unfortunately, they cannot manufacture
tenants. Mr. Rikkers could not give any reasons for a lack of tenant commitments except perhaps the
recession.
Mr. Belter inquired if Akcess has met with local entities.
Mr. Rikkers stated they have made several contacts in the community, within the state, out of state and
everyone appears to support the concept.
Mr. Tower stated when this project was first presented, it had been indicated that an office building was what
a market research showed was the best use. These delays appear to push deadlines further back.
Mr. Rikkers stated when you talk about retail, it is an if and when situation. Mr. Rikkers believed the office
building is still the key to this overall development. Unfortunately, Akcess has not been able to meet the
timeframes/deadlines in the Developer Agreement, and probably will not meet the 2008 deadline either. It is
hoped, however, to get back on track for 2009.
Mr. Kinney stated as long as Akcess continues their due diligence and their energetic pursuit of tenants for
the office building, it would make sense to continue to work with Akcess. Mr. Kinney noted there are caveats
in the developer agreement that would address deficiencies in valuation.
Mr. Bermingham inquired is there too much competition?
Mr. Rikkers felt locally there is a limited pool looking to occupy first class office space. He believed,
however, that the opportunity to anchor the downtown with a first class office building is still a viable option.
Mr. Tower asked for an update at the next RDA meeting.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 4:30 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Jackson R. Kinney
Executive Director/
Director of Community Development
RDA Minutes 2 March 19, 2008